Top 10 Reality TV Stars of 2012

Reality TV is a huge deal in the entertainment industry today. There’s something for everyone, whether you like competition shows or fashion or drama between housewives. These people made an enormous impact this year in the world of Reality TV in 2012.

1. Stevie J from “Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta”

Three time Grammy winner and self-proclaimed “good guy” rose to reality TV stardom this year with his role in Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta.” And what exactly skyrocketed his reality TV career? A love triangle, of course. Stevie J has been in a long-term relationship with Mimi Faust, also a cast member, and they even had a child together. Then enters Joseline Hernandez. Stevie J’s relationship drama earn him a spot on our list.

2. Tamar Braxton from “Tamar and Vince”

Tamar Braxton, formerly of the Braxton sisters, catapulted into the reality TV world this year with her show Tamar and Vince. The show closely follows Tamar’s solo career and her relationship with Streamline record’s Vince Herbert. Speculation surrounded the couple as divorce rumors surfaced followed by the couple putting their home up for sale. They fiercely denied the rumors claiming that their relationship was like “velcro”.

3. NeNe Leakes from “Real Housewives of Atlanta”

NeNe Leakes may have started off as a real housewife, but she’s quickly risen to the top in other facets of the television industry this year. Making her appearance on hit show, Glee, as Coach Roz and The New Normal as Rocky, NeNe Leakes is slowly taking over Hollywood.

4. Bethenny Frankel from “The Real Housewives of New York City”

Much like fellow housewife NeNe Leakes, Bethenny Frankel is slowly spreading to the rest of the television industry. Frankel is currently working on a talk show produced by Ellen DeGeneres. Rumor is that the show will premiere in less than a year.

5. Snooki from “Jersey Shore”

Not only has Snooki made news for being one of the highest paid reality stars, but she also welcomed her first child into the world this August.

6. Honey Boo Boo from “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”

Everyone is talking about Honey Boo Boo, whether like Jennifer Lawrence they adore her or think she’s the end of western civilization like Adam Levine. No matter what they think of this young, pop culture phenomenon, Honey Boo Boo has risen to the top of news with her charitable donations. The quirky pageant star decided recently to give all of her toys to Wilco Luvs Kids’ Annual Toy Drive. Who can honestly hate that?

7. Kim Kardashian

It wouldn’t be a successful year in reality TV if we didn’t hear from the Kardashians at least once a week. Thankfully, we did.

8. The Cast of “Duck Dynasty”

I’m still not sure what this show is about, but enough people talk about it and there are enough billboards for me to assume that this show is a cult hit. Thanks to this and Honey Boo Boo, I don’t have to explain Southern culture to anyone anymore.

9. Erika from “The Bad Girls Club: Mexico”

Erika gave us the most underappreciated moment in reality TV ever with her “I don’t understand” dance. I don’t understand why it still hasn’t gone viral yet.